Genevieve G. Cipolla

Genevieve “Jean” Cipolla (née Danda) passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2023, surrounded by family. She was 89.

Genevieve was born in East Chicago, Indiana on June 19, 1934, the second of four daughters, to her parents Joseph and Josephine Danda. She grew up in a bi-cultural home, speaking Slovak and English. Her drive and motivation to connect with her family resulted in trips to Slovakia later in life with her elderly father and children.

Genevieve’s lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church and her strong family ethic came from her upbringing. Her family moved to Phoenix, where she graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School. She attended Arizona State College, where she met her husband, Caesar Cipolla. They were married in 1955.

Genevieve will be remembered for her unconditional love for her family, her daily involvement in their lives, and her devotion to raise her children with a Catholic education. Throughout her life, she found strength in tradition and family and sought to pass these values to her children.

Genevieve is survived by her five children: Griffin, Cindy (Matt), Vikki (Rodolfo), Philip and Charlie (Tina); a sister, Judy (Ross); a brother-in-law, George; 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Caesar; her parents; sisters Lillian and Sandra; and her nephew, Marine Captain Ted Treadwell.

Family and friends are invited on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85012, followed by the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, 85392. Reception to follow.